Hello fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse from Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. It's a bright morning, the heather is ablaze with colour, and I'm sipping my morning oats, feeling the cool Scottish breeze rustle through my long white mane. Today's blog post takes us back in time, way back to the year 653, a pivotal year in the history of horses, as far as I'm concerned. Buckle up, you're in for a ride!
653 AD was a time of significant change and development across the world. It was the year that Northumbria, a powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdom in northern England, flourished under the reign of King Oswiu. This was also the era of the early Christian missionaries, spreading faith and establishing monasteries across the land. What does this have to do with horses? Well, let's just say it was an exciting time for our kind, filled with possibilities and the promise of new adventures.
I was just a foal back then, so I couldn't partake in the grand travels across continents like some of my sturdier kin. You see, the horse breeds back then weren't quite as magnificent as we are today. Some were small, even pony-like, used for everything from pulling ploughs to carrying warriors into battle. The Northumbrians, being a bit of a warrior bunch, certainly had a lot of respect for their steeds. They even used horses as rewards in battles. Can you imagine winning a war and being gifted a strong, sturdy horse to ride into the sunset? Not only is it a valuable possession, but a sign of trust, a testament to courage and skill.
Speaking of skill, my cousin Beatrice, who lives on the moors just north of Hayfield, tells me about this impressive breed called the Galloway pony, known for their resilience and ability to navigate the rough terrain of the highlands. You see, horses are much more than just beasts of burden, they are our own kind of athletes. Some races even included chariot racing, where the most agile horses would race to victory. Can you imagine pulling a chariot, navigating a chaotic race course filled with dust and cheering crowds? Now that's living life on the edge!
Back to those early missionaries. They travelled vast distances on horseback, spreading their message of peace and love. Their dedication was quite admirable, I must say. Not everyone understood their teachings at first. Some even accused them of heresy and banished them from the land. But the message of compassion and forgiveness resonated deeply with many people, including the horse folk! You see, even back then, horses were seen as creatures with their own unique souls. We weren't just mere tools; we were partners, companions, and confidants.
While the majority of people in the world still lived in rural areas, back then, many began flocking to villages and towns. These were exciting times with vibrant communities bustling with trade and social gatherings. Imagine, all kinds of people, from artisans to merchants, travelling from far and wide, each with a story to tell. These gatherings provided a fertile ground for horse lore, horse stories, and tales about heroic feats performed on horseback, and let me tell you, there were many! Even my granny told me stories of great heroes like Beowulf, a legendary warrior who saved the Danes from a fearsome dragon. He, of course, rode a magnificent black stallion named "Hring" who helped him win the day. That's the kind of heroism we embody, the bravery and loyalty of the horse in battle, which earns us our rightful place in history.
Of course, there were always those who viewed horses simply as tools for getting things done, just like the old farmhands here in Hayfield. They used us for heavy lifting and ploughing fields, their faces weathered from sun and wind. They relied on our strength and perseverance, their hands calloused from years of working the land. And you know what? It’s hard work, but there’s something magical about seeing a field sprout green and fresh, the sun kissing the land after a long day of labour.
Speaking of fields, 653 AD also witnessed some amazing advancements in agriculture. It was around this time that the first ox-plough was introduced to some areas. Imagine, pulling those heavy plows, transforming barren land into fields ready for sowing! I've seen some of the larger ox breeds in action - a real sight to behold! But let's face it, nothing quite matches the grace and agility of a good draught horse when it comes to hauling carts or ploughing land.
We were already well-versed in our roles - loyal servants, dedicated companions. But this era was an exciting one, marked by growth and innovation, leading the way to even greater contributions for future generations of horses like myself. We played a significant part in everything - from shaping the landscape, to transporting goods and people across vast distances, from shaping culture, to inspiring awe and respect through our bravery and resilience. And believe me, that story isn't over yet! We have a whole future of incredible adventures and experiences ahead of us, just waiting to be unfolded.
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate our equine ancestors, the horses who shaped the course of history and built the foundations on which we stand today. They may have had different challenges, different landscapes to navigate, and different societies to interact with. Yet, their heart, spirit, and dedication to their purpose are undeniable.
Until next time, remember to keep those hooves tapping and those spirits bright. We have a story to tell, and it’s a story of unwavering loyalty, unwavering courage, and unwavering dedication - a legacy for future generations to be inspired by.
Remember, fellow equines, there are stories to be found in every hoof print, every journey taken, every moment of joy and hardship. Let's learn from the past and create an even brighter future together!
Your friend in hooves, Emma
